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Mining Publication:
Silica...It's Not Just Dust

January 1997

This pamphlet provided information on what rock drillers can do to protect themselves from silica (14808607) dust, which may cause silicosis. The role of exposure to silica dust in the development silicosis was discussed. Silicosis can be prevented, but it cannot be cured and it increases the chances that a person with this disease will suffer lung infections and heart failure. Methods for controlling silica dust were itemized. Dry dust collection should be maximized by providing inside corner flaps for deck shrouds, installing an air ring seal where the drill pipe passes through the drill deck, and taking several other precautions listed in this pamphlet. Proper maintenance of dry dust collectors is important. Several steps to ensure that wet suppression is maximized were mentioned, along with proper maintenance of wet suppression devices. Proper use and maintenance of enclosed cabs were discussed and several general health tips were provided as well. Several suggestions were offered for obtaining additional information on this subject.